Muscari botryoides
common grape hyacinth
Overview
Muscari botryoides is a small spring-flowering bulb in the asparagus family, reaching 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) tall in bloom. From each bulb rise two to four narrow, channeled, strap-like leaves 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long that emerge in fall or late winter. In early to mid spring it sends up a stout stalk topped with a dense, conical spike of many tightly packed, urn-shaped flowers, each about 0.1-0.2 inch (3-5 mm) long, bright to sky blue and constricted with small white teeth at the mouth; the uppermost flowers are often paler and sterile. A white-flowered form also occurs. Native to central and southeastern Europe, it grows in meadows, open woods, and on rocky slopes, and it has naturalized in parts of North America. M. botryoides is hardy and grows readily in well-drained soil and full sun to part shade, multiplying by offset bulbs and seed to form colonies over time. It can spread beyond where it is planted, and its spring foliage dies back to dormancy by early summer, leaving bare gaps. The bulbs and foliage are mildly toxic if eaten.
Native Range
Native to central and southeastern Europe, where it grows in meadows, open woodland, and rocky slopes. It has naturalized locally in parts of North America and elsewhere through garden escapes.Suggested Uses
Used for spring color in borders, rock gardens, edging, and naturalized drifts under deciduous trees and shrubs, spaced 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) apart. It suits underplanting with daffodils and tulips and grows well in containers. The early flowers draw bees and other spring pollinators.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 8"
Width/Spread3" - 4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in early to mid spring, generally March to April, lasting two to three weeks. The bright blue spikes appear with or just after the leaves. A faint sweet scent is sometimes noticeable on warm days.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bulbs are planted 3 inches (7.5 cm) deep and 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart in fall, in full sun to part shade and any well-drained soil. M. botryoides needs moisture during fall and spring growth but tolerates summer dryness while dormant. It needs little care once established and multiplies steadily by offsets and self-sown seed. Allowing the leaves to yellow naturally after bloom lets the bulbs recharge for the next season. Crowded clumps can be lifted and divided during summer dormancy. The bulbs rot in waterlogged ground.Pruning
Pruning is limited to removing spent flower stalks after bloom, which prevents seeding if self-sowing is not wanted. The leaves are left until they yellow and wither so the bulb can store energy. Foliage can then be cleared away.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons